Lateral Patent Associate Attorney

A law firm in Saint Louis, MO, is seeking a Lateral Patent Associate Attorney to play a pivotal role in assisting with patent preparation and prosecution, providing patentability and clearance opinions, managing patent estates, and engaging in patent licensing and enforcement for a diverse clientele. The successful candidate will manage multiple legal matters at various stages, produce high-quality legal work, and actively contribute to business development efforts.

Duties:

• Assist in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications across various technical fields, including software, computer science, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
• Provide clients with patentability and clearance opinions.
• Oversee the management of patent estate portfolios, including licensing and patent enforcement.
• Simultaneously manage the high-level and strategic aspects of multiple legal matters at different stages, from initial inception to successful conclusion.
• Produce high-quality legal work and meet hourly billing requirements to ensure exceptional client services.
• Actively participate in business development initiatives at both the group and individual levels.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Bachelor's or higher degree in electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering, or computer science.
• Licensed to practice law in good standing in one or more jurisdictions where the firm conducts business.
• Must maintain applicable license renewal and fulfill Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements.
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• One year of experience as a licensed attorney at a law firm.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-8 years of experience as a licensed attorney at a law firm.
• Prior experience in patent preparation and prosecution in the areas of software, computer science, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Skills:

• Proficiency in patent prosecution and intellectual property law.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Effective multitasking and ability to manage multiple legal matters at various stages.
• Business development skills and a track record of generating new business.
• Thorough understanding of patent portfolio management, licensing, and enforcement.

Independent lawyering with top of the market pay, this firm offers flexible hours, a good work/life balance, and diverse clientele. This firm entrusts its associates to take on a work load of their choice and provides a collegial environment to do so. This firm also values diversity, receiving a perfect score on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index.